There were three areas that needs potholes patched so the municipal traffic police repaired them. They were located at: Rueda Medina near the intersection with Othon P Blanco street, by the new location for Justicia Social (fishermen's coop), and on Juarez Avenue behind the airport (That's actually Jesus Martinez Ross, and often called prolongacion Aeropuerto. It's on the east side of the airfield strip & was caused when Aguakan had a pipe burst, and didn't fix the pavement after repairing it. They just put loose gravel in the hole.)

Pet sterilization program in coordination between NGO and municipal government LINK
Free sterilizations on Thursdays, 10a to 2p, in coordination with Isla Animals, who have performed more than 1170 sterilizations in the continental zone of the municipality and the island. A massive campaign was carried out in the Continental Zone sterilizing 1124 cats and dogs in December.

Naveganto increased its crossings LINK
See schedule posted yesterday. On the company's social media page, they confirmed that the boats will now depart every 45 minutes, with longer hours on the weekends, which began on Wednesday. It is expected that the company will introduce new ferries in March, and noted that Ultramar runs every half hour.

Nine tips for living with less plastic
Carry your own shopping bag, reusable bottle and cup, use reusable food storage containers, avoid using single use plates and cutlery, use glasses made of glass, and share these tips with others.

Some residents suggest that the former hospital property should be turned into a parking lot. (photos)

Banjercito bank being built at edge of Naval base will be the third bank on the island. (photo)

The tourism boat "Hasta la Vista" that had been grounded on North Beach since Sunday, was freed on Wednesday, after three attempts. The crew said there was no damage to the hull,propeller, or shaft. Refueling was done outside the buoy line, and it went to the marina in the Cancun Hotel Zone to have a thorough inspection before going back into operation for tourism.
The Harbor Master had authorized the rescue operation, with the first attempt on Monday, another on Tuesday, and it was successfully concluded on Wednesday at 11am. The boat grounded on North Beach near the end of Guerrero street on Sunday evening when the effects of Cold Front #31 caused gusts up to 70 km/hr.
During the three days it was on the beach, many tourists took photos. Its registration is from Florida. The rescue was done with care to avoid damage to the boat, and support was provided by a boat at a distance, with a rope. On Wednesday, the work began at 8am using "polines" motorized pumps, pulleys and half a dozen workers. Previously, a large amount of sand was moved to carry out the final work of refloating the boat.
Lifeguards with Civil Protection will repair the 200 meter buoy line that was broken.

Average occupancy was 60% for 2018, and at the last days of the year, it was at 100%, according to Jose Castillo, Director of Municipal Tourism, who said it was a great year in terms of visitors arriving and hotel occupancy. He said, "We can not say that we are at a very high percentage, but we have maintained a constant level that benefits the island families with a profitable economic benefit, and during the Easter holidays, a large number of tourists are expected from Mexico, as well as other parts of the world." Isla Mujeres is the only island in the Pueblo Magico program, and has the Blue and White Flag designations for Playa Centro and Playa Norte, respectively. Mr Castillo Magana expects that 2019 will be a very good year for Isla Mujeres, with continued high rates of arrival for Mexican and foreign visitors.No excuse for not sterilizing your pet

~~~~
In an article dated Jan 28 about the grounded yacht, Por Esto said Civil Protection personnel noted that the boat broke the buoy line along a 200 meter stretch that would need to be repaired after the boat was removed. It was also noted that about a half dozen small boats used for fishing and tourism tours sank in their mooring areas because they weren't attended to in time, which happens when a great deal of rain falls and they aren't taken care of in a timely manner. They didn't have major problems because when seawater enters the engine, it is sent to the mechanic for cleaning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday, the "Hasta la Vista " yacht was finally set free! It had
become a sort of tourist attraction since grounding on North beach on
Sunday. Its captain, Apolinar Magaña, told TVIM that the storm surprised
them just as they were pulling up the anchor and about depart. They had
ten tourists on board (PE says 12), who had rented the boat, and no one
was injured. A crew member told Por Esto they were trying to
return to the marina in the Cancun Hotel Zone when a sudden mechanical
failure occurred, in the strong winds and waves. Although they threw out
two 'grampine' anchors, they were unable to stop the progress of the
boat toward shallow water. The boat is registered in Florida and has "Coral Gables" painted on the stern. Thanks to Cindy Martinez for the video! VIDEO

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within
ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe,
Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the
large department store-grocery ,
Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a
couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes
20-30 minutes to walk downtown.

Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturday morningsLINK . Volunteers welcome! Here's the Accion Isla LINKLeft in January:Wed. Jan 30 11:30-1 Little Yellow School House will be serving up their popular Cuban sandwiches. In La Gloria, Paseo de Peces (same street as Bead Coop & Church). Last week they made grilled cheese & ham sliders & chili (photo) Get 'em while you can!

Thursday, Jan. 31Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Ploggers

Friday, Feb. 1 Municipal clean up of mangroves to commemorate World Wetlands Day. They will also be presenting educational talks in the schools.

Saturday, Feb. 2 World
Wetlands Day Plogging Clean-up Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple
hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water
container. Saturday, Feb. 2 Candlemas Day Tamales provided by those who had the baby Jesus in their Kings cake on Jan. 6th.

Sunday, Feb. 3 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Monday, Feb. 4 A Civic ceremony is held the first Monday of each month, often on the Town Square, in the morning, probably around 8a or 9a.

Thursday, Feb. 7 Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Sunday, Feb. 10 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p, featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Thursday, Feb. 14 Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Feb. 14 Dia de Amor y Amistad (Day of
Love and Friendship) The City provides a free Collective wedding event
including the ceremony, cake, and paperwork for residents.

In mid-February, there has been Artisan's Pavilion on the Town Square,
for the past few years with artisans from other regions of Mexico, as well as a number from
Isla Mujeres offering interesting handmade items at reasonable
prices.

Sunday, Feb. 17 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Feb 18-24 Island Time Music Festival & Fishing Tournament

This
will be the 10th anniversary of this Festival which benefits the Little
Yellow School House who provide education and therapy for special needs
kids on the island. LINKto schedule of events, ticket information, etcFeatures popular Country music artists

Thursday, Feb. 21 Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Sunday, Feb. 24 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p
featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.Thursday, Feb. 28Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Isla
Blanca Kite Festival (on the mainland) says they've discontinued after
ten years due to parking problems, but here's their page in case that
changes. LINK

In February, generally the temperatures are very pleasant, but weather for this month includes "nortes", fronts
from the north whose winds often cause small boats to be restricted
to port, and they may bring clouds, rain, and cooler temps. They cause
the lobster to come out of their hiding places and move south across the seabed, increasing the catches of the fishermen. Fishermen in this region are banned from catching
Grouper and Octopus in February (and March). Lobster season ends after Feb. 28th (Lobsters kept in captivity continue
to be available). LINK

Sources for Weather Information:LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish) LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation) LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

Today & tomorrow (Wednesday & Thursday, 30 /31) between the
hours of 8:30 and 2:30, there will be a suspension of electricity in
these areas of colonia La Gloria (listed at top) while the CFE replaces
some poles. If weather doesn't permit the work, they will issue a new
notice. Your understanding is appreciated.

The Red Cross first responder motorcyclist provided first aid in response to a report of a man who had fallen and injured his head in front of the Community Center in colonia La Gloria. (photo)

Starting on Wednesday (today) motorcycles won't be permitted in this area or in front of the basketball court (photo), in accordance with traffic regulations. (There are comments asking for enforcement in other areas, including where golf carts are routinely parked illegally, including a photo of a line of them parked on the curve by Playa Lancheros. Many note that there is a need for motorcycle parking, including in this area where residents are conducting business at the Town Hall and nearby municipal buildings.)

Article from Saturday about the Federal, Naval, and municipal police storming the FOVISSSTE apartments seeking a man about 22 years old, who could be armed, and showing his photo to residents. Naval and Federal police demanded entry to apartments, breaking open and demolishing doors of those not home or who didn't comply out of fear. The operation caused alarm among the residents, 'hysteria' in some, and they denied having seen the suspect. It is unknown if he was found and detained. When the military and Federal police vehicles departed, they went south.(FOVISSSTE is the apartment complex along the coastal road in colonia Canotal that was built to provide housing & mortgages for state workers. A few apartments there are now being offered as tourist rentals. Actually. FOVISSSTE is the name of the governmental organization that organized the construction and provides credit to state workers.)

VIDEO of (with photos edited in) of Monday's interview with the Director of Civil Protection & Firefighters explaining that there is a "saldo blanco" with no injuries following the effects of Cold Front #31, whose strong winds of up to 70 km/hr (44mph) brought down a total of six trees. Personnel with his department attended to the trees affecting the roadway first. A Telmex pole at Punta Sur also blew down and palms affected some lines. Regarding the effects of Cold Front #30, which caused flooding on Friday morning, he said his staff were cleaning and clearing the drainage network, and the pumps have been running at full strength on the Salina lakes, which will continue until they reach normal levels. At the end the reporter asks about the yacht grounded on North Beach, and he responds that its rescue is in the hands of the Navy in coordination with the Harbor Master.

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within
ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe,
Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the
large department store-grocery ,
Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a
couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes
20-30 minutes to walk downtown.

Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturday morningsLINK . Volunteers welcome! Here's the Accion Isla LINKLeft in January:Wed. Jan 30 11:30-1 Little Yellow School House will be serving up their popular Cuban sandwiches. In La Gloria, Paseo de Peces (same street as Bead Coop & Church). Last week they made grilled cheese & ham sliders & chili (photo) Get 'em while you can!

Thursday, Jan. 31Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Ploggers

Friday, Feb. 1 Municipal clean up of mangroves to commemorate World Wetlands Day. They will also be presenting educational talks in the schools.

Saturday, Feb. 2 World
Wetlands Day Plogging Clean-up Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple
hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water
container. Saturday, Feb. 2 Candlemas Day Tamales provided by those who had the baby Jesus in their Kings cake on Jan. 6th.

Sunday, Feb. 3 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Monday, Feb. 4 A Civic ceremony is held the first Monday of each month, often on the Town Square, in the morning, probably around 8a or 9a.

Thursday, Feb. 7 Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Sunday, Feb. 10 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p, featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Thursday, Feb. 14 Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Feb. 14 Dia de Amor y Amistad (Day of
Love and Friendship) The City provides a free Collective wedding event
including the ceremony, cake, and paperwork for residents.

In mid-February, there has been Artisan's Pavilion on the Town Square,
for the past few years with artisans from other regions of Mexico, as well as a number from
Isla Mujeres offering interesting handmade items at reasonable
prices.

Sunday, Feb. 17 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Feb 18-24 Island Time Music Festival & Fishing Tournament

This
will be the 10th anniversary of this Festival which benefits the Little
Yellow School House who provide education and therapy for special needs
kids on the island. LINKto schedule of events, ticket information, etcFeatures popular Country music artists

Thursday, Feb. 21 Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Sunday, Feb. 24 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p
featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.Thursday, Feb. 28Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back
street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Isla
Blanca Kite Festival (on the mainland) says they've discontinued after
ten years due to parking problems, but here's their page in case that
changes. LINK

In February, generally the temperatures are very pleasant, but weather for this month includes "nortes", fronts
from the north whose winds often cause small boats to be restricted
to port, and they may bring clouds, rain, and cooler temps. They cause
the lobster to come out of their hiding places and move south across the seabed, increasing the catches of the fishermen. Fishermen in this region are banned from catching
Grouper and Octopus in February (and March). Lobster season ends after Feb. 28th (Lobsters kept in captivity continue
to be available). LINK

Sources for Weather Information:LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish) LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation) LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.